Definition of Firkin

1.n. A varying measure of capacity, usually being the fourth part of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons.

Definition of Firkin

1. Noun. (British) A varying measure of capacity, usually being the fourth part of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons. [Eng.] ¹

2. Noun. (American English) A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, -- used for butter, lard, etc. ¹

3. Noun. A weight measure for butter, equalling 56 pounds. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Firkin

1. a British unit of capacity [n -S]

Medical Definition of Firkin

1.
1. A varying measure of capacity, usually being the fourth part of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons.
2. A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, used for butter, lard, etc.
Origin: From AS. Feower four (or an allied word, perh. Dutch or Danish) + -kin. See Four.
Source: Websters Dictionary
(01 Mar 1998)

Firkin Pictures

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Literary usage of Firkin

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1.All the Year Round by Charles Dickens (1882)"We enquired politely for Miss Martha firkin. " Then, Miss firkin," I rejoined
with some severity—for I was a little nettled at the contemptuous way in which ..."

2.The Statutes of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland [1807-1868/69] by Great Britain, George Kettilby Rickards (1840)"... and every such Barrel, Half Barrel, firkin, or Half firkin, which shall be
produced to any Officer of Excise without the Weight or Tare thereof being so ..."

4.Vanity Fair: A Novel Without a Hero by William Makepeace Thackeray (1893)"Thank you; " and firkin came downstairs in a\jten|pest of ... Briggs too well
heard the creaking firkin descend the stairs, and the clink of the spoon and ..."

5.A Collection of the Public General Statutes Passed in the ... Year of the by Great Britain (1840)"... and Half firkins, by weighing the whole, or such of them as such Officer shall
select; and every such Barrel, Half Barrel, firkin, or Half firkin, ..."